Search form

Who’s Who at DC Comics-The New 52: Joe Prado

Who’s Who at DC Comics-The New 52: Joe Prado

How do you draw a first panel of a first issue?
JOE PRADO: It has to be either something mysterious that attracts the reader's attention or something super-dynamic. Of course, you can take a different approach, but for me, this attracts my attention as a reader and a fan – not just as an artist.
How do you introduce a new hero?
Ah! Easy! Well, for me a splash-page is perfect for that.
What was the first comic you ever worked on?
It was on the Brazilian market and was a comic book series called U.F.O Team - a bunch of superpowered aliens! Super fun and written by the talented Marcelo Cassaro. In the U.S. market, it was Thundercats: Dogs of War#03. And fun fact: my editor back then was the uber-talented color artist, Alex Sinclair!
Who was the first character you followed?
Easy! BATMAN! During the Dick Sprang Era, followed by Jim Aparo's run on The Brave & The Bold!
What was the first series you collected?
Batman as well!
Who was the first writer you followed?
Marv Wolfman on New Teen Titans.
Who was the first artist you followed?
Ah! 2 artists at the same time! George Pérez on New Teen Titans and John Byrne on Uncanny X-Men!
What was the first convention you attended as a fan?
San Diego Comic-Con in 2004! It was also my first time in the US! It was a blast meet all the professionals I was working with back then! And also some of my idols, such as George Pérez, Tim Sale, and many others! So my first time was as a fan, and a professional as well.
What was the first comic book you read?
A Brazilian edition of Batman with Dick Sprang's art.
What was your first job in the comic book industry?
A penciller on the Brazilian mini-series, U.F.O. Team.
What was the first piece of original art you bought?
Well, it was 2 pieces around the same time. A George Pérez Wonder Woman original and Mike Grell's pencils for a Warlord issue! It's sooooo awesome to be able to see these masterpieces in your own hands!
What was the first digital comic book you downloaded?
Blackest Night #0.
On your creative process:
For me, the creative process has everything to do with inspiration, and great, GREAT teamwork. If there's a great collaboration, you can be sure that everybody is putting 101% of their own on the job. And working with Geoff Johns, Iva Reis & Rod Reis on the new AQUAMAN series is basically that! WE share a lot of thoughts and ideas and everyone is inspired the each other’s work. Normally, I'm a penciller, but in the last couple of years, I had the chance to work with Ivan as his inker/finisher on books such as BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY. The coolest thing about that is that we achieved a great balance between how I should ink his work, and keep it recognizable, and how I can put elements of my own art-style. After all, in the end, doing comics is a collaborative effort! And people, will be blown away by the new AQUAMAN series. It’s going to be a blast!